This is just a pure fluff story settled between Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Edward's birthday was near the horizon and Bella wants to celebrate it. So what does she do?

This is my take on the few days after the end of Eclipse.

It will contain five chapters. One for the day after Bella announced their engagement to Charlie. The second chapter involves a photo session of the Cullens' and Bella's gift for Edward. The next three chapters will be of their time in Chicago where Edward will tell more about his past to Bella.

Hope you like it. Enjoy reading!

After we told the news to my parents – Edward and I are getting married – and we got their blessings – well, Renee gave, but Charlie was still unable to grasp the news – we were on our drive to the Cullen mansion. It was the time to tell the news officially to them.

But my mind was not on this topic.

They would accept me, they already had. My mind was on the matter that Edward's birthday is just day after two days and I haven't planned anything for him.

He had already seen so much yesterday, my betrayal as I kissed Jacob, my outburst of tears for my best friend, Victoria, and what else.

I want his birthday to be a memorable event, to show him that I love him the most.

And most importantly, this time, for his birthday, I am no longer his girlfriend, but his fiancée.

I want to do something special for him, but what to do?

He has given me so many things, his heart, his love, a family, not to forget the diamond charm and his mother's ring, which was now placed at my ring finger. He had always made me feel special, but this time, I want to make him feel special.

But how?

I glanced at him – the word 'fiancé' was still foreign to me and not to forget that just by thinking this stupid word my heartbeat increased.

Edward was driving my truck, his one hand at the steering wheel, while his other hand was holding mine. He was also lost in his own thoughts, but he had a big stupid grin on his face.

I looked at him and saw his relaxed feature. He was really the god of ease. It was just yesterday when I had kissed Jacob – that I had kissed another man, despite of my claim that I love Edward the most – but he never judged me. I am really no good for him, but still he is here and he still loves me, cares for me. His birthday should be a memorable day for him, but the question is still the same – how?

I leaned my head against his hard shoulder and lightly kissed his neck. He kissed the top of my head and put his arm around me, pulling me towards him. I sighed and leaned against him kissing his shoulder. My fingers were absent-mindly playing with my ring, when an idea came to me.

Edward rarely talked about his parents and his birth place – Chicago, but he missed them terribly. And I want to meet them, to know them, to know more about Edward's past. I want to celebrate our engagement and announce it to his parents in front of them and get their blessings.

But could I be able to do this?

We reached the Cullen Mansion and before I could blink, Edward was opening my door and helping me out. As soon as I was out, I gave him a quick peck on his lips and then we went in the house, hand in hand, to tell them the news.

As we reached the porch, Alice practically jumped in front of us and hugged me tight. "Thank you so much, Bella. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you so much."

I took a glance at Edward and saw a brilliant smile on his face. "How can a little girl be so annoying." He teased and ruffled her hair and for this time Alice let him.

"Oh, it's a talent. But thank God Bella stopped you." Edward rolled his eyes, but his eyes were giving him, he was gloating beyond imagination, if it can be.

So now, everyone knew what will be done in our wedding, but not us. Great! He eyed me and laughed a carefree laugh, kissed the top of my head and took me in the house.

There in the the house, all my vampires were sitting casually in the living room. Emmett and Jasper were playing PlayStation – playing like kids, jumping on the couch, ready to beat the other, whereas Rosalie was busy reading a fashion magazine. Alice joined Rosalie at the loveseat, while Carlisle and Esme sere seated in another loveseat talking in low voices. No one could say that it was just yesterday, when they were all fighting against a newborn army.

Suddenly I was hit by some unknown glitters in my abdomen. The type of glitters you have when you announce your engagement to your boyfriend's family.

Though, I knew that they all loved me and they had already accepted me, I was still getting nervous announcing our marriage to them. After all, vampire or not, they were still my boyfriend's family. My heart started to jump in my chest. Edward squeezed my hand in reassurance. When we reached the center of the living room, Edward cleared his throat and everybody moved their attention towards us.

"I know that you all already know, but let me officially introduce you to my bride-to-be, Isabella Marie Swan." I blushed at the mention of bride-to-be and my heart started jumping more in my chest. I could feel that my hands are now sweaty. I squeezed Edward's hand with all my strength and he kissed my head.

Esme was the first to join us, her golden eyes full of love. "Dearest Bella, thank you so much for accepting my son." And then she kissed my forehead and embraced both Edward and I in her arms at the same time and started crying her tearless happy tears. Edward pulled her against him and I whispered a "thank you mom" in her ear. This was the first time I had ever called her mom, so she hugged me tightly and kissed my cheeks, while Edward held both of us.

Next was Carlisle. He came towards us and patted on Edward's shoulder, hugged him and surprisingly, pulled me against his chest. This was the first time I hugged Carlisle – really hug him – the person who Edward considers his father.

"Welcome to the family, Bella." Carlisle said, a smile in his voice.

"Oh God! My baby brother is turning into a man." Emmett exclaimed by putting one hand on his still heart and held him in a bear hug. He then turned towards me with a wicked smile.

"Emmett!" Edward warned him, but being the way he is, he neglected him and crashed me against his chest in the name of a bear hug, lifting me off the floor and started twirling in circles.

"Can't breathe, Emmett!" I finally choked.

"Oh, sorry li'l sis." He put me on the floor. "I forget sometimes that you are just a tiny human." He teased and laughed. I punched him lightly on his arm and started laughing with him.

"No problem with him big bro, I just have to remind him that he is a annoying wicked vampire." I teased back. Emmett's face fell and he made a cute puppy face which made me laugh more loudly. Others also started laughing with me while Emmett's pout became more cute.

Rosalie was the next person to greet us. She hugged first Edward, then kissed me on the cheek.

"Welcome to the family Bella." She murmured.

"Um, thanks Rosalie." I thanked her timidly. Though she didn't accepted me wholeheartedly, but she didn't even neglect me.

Maybe, just maybe, Rosalie was getting used to me. I hope everything works between us.

Next was unsurprisingly the little pixie, who was bouncing all the way from her seat to us. "Bella, Edward, I'm so happy for you two." She sang and hugged both of us at the same time.

"Thank you, Alice" Edward and I thanked her at the same time and laughed.

"Congratulations, Edward, Bella." Jasper said from behind Alice and hugged Edward and nodded towards me. Waves of happiness flew towards us – Jasper's style of congratulating.

He started to walk away, but I didn't want him to feel weak. "Um, Jasper" He turned towards me with confusion on his face. I took two timid steps towards and hugged him by his waist. He stiffened at first, but then waves of gratitude, joy and love washed over me. It was Jasper's way to congratulate me. I tugged his arm. When he turned his face down, I stood on my toes and kissed him on his cheek. "Thank you, big brother."

A big smile formed on his little tensed features. "My pleasure, li'l sister." He murmured in his southern accent and gently touched his lips to my forehead. I was a little shocked and overwhelmed as Jasper was finally able to be himself around me.

"Hey, this is not fair, I am his favourite big brother, Jazz. You cannot take that place."

Jasper winked at me and then turned towards him. "But Em, Bella considers me her favourite big brother, not you." I laughed and shook my head muttering 'boys'.

Edward laughed with me too and put his hand at my waist, taking me towards his room. When we reached his room, I sat on the couch in his room and looked outside the window.

I was remembering all the time since I met my angel and his family. All the happy moments we shared. And finally thought about the day when I vowed to be his – the day of our engagement.

I may never tell him, but that moment was the best moment of my life – more beautiful that the first day in our meadow. Even I never imagined I was waiting for that moment until it happened. How I was able to say even the word 'yes' when all my senses were overwhelmed with the joy was beyond me.

Then there are Esme and Carlisle. Not my real parents, but not less than them. Alice was always the sister I wanted and in form of Jasper and Emmett, I got the two brothers I always wished – one cheerful and the other protective. And Rosalie – who is trying to accept me.

I am really lucky that I got such a beautiful family. They all were so accepting. They fought for me, cared for me, not only because I loved Edward, but because they all loved me too.

At first I was of the opinion that I was making a wrong decision by agreeing to marry, but after seeing Alice, Esme and Carlisle, I can say that I have made the best decision. Esme and Carlisle were looking so excited just by hearing that we are going to get marry, after all Edward was their first son. And Alice, she was the one who Edward thinks of as her real sister.

And Edward, he was looking so ecstatic just by hearing that I am ready to marry him, as if I have made him the most happy man in the whole world by telling him yes, but in real I am really lucky to have him.

And to be told the truth, even I was getting a little excited by the thought that soon I can claim Edward as mine, not just by thoughts or words, but in every way possible and that too in front of everyone.

Though I felt like I was cheating again, Jacob's thought penetrated in my mind. I had told him a final goodbye just yesterday, but it was true that I loved him – not enough to stay with him, but enough to see him happy. How was he now? This question was always in my mind. I hope that he may find his imprint soon. He also deserves his happiness which I have taken from him due to my selfishness.

I was still staring out of the window, so I was jostled as Edward came beside me after a few moments and sat with his arm around my shoulder, shaking me from my reverie. He dropped his head on my neck and kissed my nape of neck – I was already breathing heavily – "I have something for you." He murmured, his lips close to my ear.

I nodded dizzily and he snickered. He took my hand and lead me towards the wall heighted mirror in his room.

He stood beside me and I looked at the images in the mirror.

The boy in the mirror was beautiful, his hair was all messed – but still beautiful. His beautiful amber eyes, full lips, facial features, everything was perfect, his muscled body was magnificent even through his clothes. Everything about him was heavenly, beautiful. He was the god of beauty, but the girl in the reflection was not beautiful, but just plain in comparison of him. Her tangled hair, slim body, plain features. There is no way she could stand beside him and look beautiful. I sighed sadly at the images in front of me.

"You still don't see yourself clearly, you know." He muttered, sadness in his ocher eyes, a small smile on his lips.

"Is this why you brought us here?" I countered.

"Actually no. I have something for you, love." I raised my eyes at him in the mirror. "Close your eyes." I followed his instructions and closed my eyes. Soon I felt him attaching a neckpiece around my neck.

"Edward, how many times I told you that I want you and no gifts or money from you!"

"Shh Bella, open your eyes."

When I opened my eyes, I saw a small silver chain around my neck, to which there was a small oval shape black colour locket attached. On the locket, was a lion – showing their strength, above it was a hand – which meant their faith and love for their family and below the lion was the trefoil which meant their perpetuality.

It was the Cullen crest, I easily recognized it. It was the same the others had – the same crest which was wore by the women of the house around her neck, while the men here wore at their wrists. I knew the Cullens' accepted me wholeheartedly, but to be given their family symbol, to wear it, it was a different feeling.

"Its beautiful." I breathed. He wrapped his hands at my waist from behind and I put my hands above his, interlacing our fingers, my face rested on his chest, while his chin was resting at my shoulder.

"Thank you, Edward." Tears were collected on my eyes, threatening to flow down. I sniffed and touched my crest with my left hand. My ring was shining along with the crest. He brought his right hand towards my neck and put it in such a way that both our crests were touching with my ring between them making the crests sparkle.

"I thought this was given to one's family, but why to me? I am not even married to you." I asked still watching the crests and ring shining on our body.

"Silly Bella." He nudged my collarbone with his nose, smelling his bouquet of wine. His lips were now at the junction between my shoulder and neck. "Marriage is just to show the world that you belong to me and just me. Nobody else. Carlisle wanted to give this to you the day after the vote, but I told him about our deal at that day and asked him to give this when you finally agree to marry me."

By the time he finished his explanation, I had already turned breathless. He chuckled and trailed butterfly kisses towards my collarbone, to my neck, behind the ear, to my jaw, below my chin, towards my cheek and finally towards the corner of my mouth. "Do you like it?" He asked.

"I... love... it... " I answered breathlessly and turned in his arms to capture his lips. When our lips met, a moan escaped from my mouth and our kiss became more urgent. My hands found their way to his hair and I pulled his mouth towards me with more force.

His lips left mine and travelled from my jaw to my neck. "Do you like it?" I asked breathing heavily. He didn't answer but his mouth increased its force at my neck. I moaned at that and pulled his mouth again back to mine, but soon he ended the kiss and we were both breathing heavily.

He got his breathing normal first and chuckled. "Others are waiting for us downstairs." I frowned and started to turn, but he stopped me. "One more thing," He kissed my crest, which was at the base of my throat – my heart dramatically started beating loudly and my breathing hitched – and said "You have no idea, how much I love it."

I blushed more at that and he brushed his fingers at my heated cheeks and gazed intensely in my eyes. The blush increased and I hid my head in his chest. He wrapped his arms around me and settled his chin on my head.

"Um," Alice voice came through the door "I know you both are a little distracted at the moment, but we all are waiting for you downstairs."

"Coming." Edward groaned at the interruption and I laughed.

"Come on, others are waiting for us downstairs." I used his words against him and kissed his nose. He laughed and muttered "Cheater."

We headed down the stairs towards the dining room – it was just for a show, they all never ate anything, but it was for the family meetings – and sat on our place, which was at the left of Carlisle. Esme was seated on the right of him. Alice and Jasper were seated at the right of Esme, while Emmett and Rosalie in front of Carlisle.

"Now that we are going to have a wedding in our house," Alice announced, jumping like a child in her chair. "I have called a photographer from Seattle to click some family photos of our new couple." I blushed at the mention of 'new couple' and looked towards Edward. He was watching me, as usual, and was drawing soothing circles on my palm with his thumb.

"Carlisle will be having his night duty tomorrow, so he would be able to attend it. Charlie would also join us, he will be calling off for tomorrow." I was about to tell her that he had his duty, when she added "say thanks to Esme." I understood quickly that Esme had worked her charm on Charlie.

"But, Charlie? I thought it was a family photoshoot Alice." Rosalie asked. Well, she had a point.

"Charlie is also family, Rosalie. He is Bella's father. So he would be coming." Esme answered and grinned at me.

"Thank you, Esme." Edward said, "for letting Charlie come tomorrow."

"There is no need to thank, Edward. She is completing you and our family. We can at least do this much for our new daughter." Esme grinned at me and turned towards Carlisle. "Right Carlisle." Esme asked. Carlisle nodded.

"And we may also need Charlie, if they both got a little side-tracked or distracted." Emmett added. I blushed more. Jasper and Rosalie started snickering, while Emmett was laughing more loudly at his own joke.

"Stop you all. I have not finished yet." Alice ordered, with a smile.

"What more is left Alice?" Carlisle asked. Jasper just shook his head and feigned annoyance, but in real he was also happy as there were no negative vibes in the house today like there were two days ago.

"The dress code for tomorrow would be black gown for we girls, whereas black tuxedos for you all men. You all would be handed your dress by tomorrow morning and the photographer would reach here by after noon."

"You really are a bad force of nature, you know." Edward again teased her and grinned.

"It is a talent." She muttered while rolling her eyes. "Now I am finished." She added when everybody waited for her to continue.

"Is there any point in arguing Alice?" I asked.

"Nope." She said in a proud voice. I sighed and nodded while Edward squeezed my hand.

"Okay, so now I am taking Bella home." Edward informed them and got up.

He was giving his hand to me to stand up, when Emmett said, "You better take her. We don't want Chief Swan to come here with a loaded gun." and started laughing way too loud. Rosalie slapped his shoulder but even she was trying hard not to laugh.

Edward glared at him but didn't said anything. He just shrugged and took my hand. We were stopped by Esme who called us in Edward's room. Edward smiled a heart melting smile and led me to his room.

In the room, Esme was standing next to Carlisle, his hand at her waist and they were waiting for us.

As soon as we were standing next to them, she wrapped her arms around me and Edward went to stand beside Carlisle.

"Thank you, Bella. Thank you so much for accepting us, for accepting my son. You have changed my son in a good man. You are completing my son in every way Bella and trust me, you have brought tremendous joy and an incredible change in our family as well."

"No Esme. I should be the one thanking you, for saving my life many times, for fighting for me, for taking care of me, for accepting me. For letting me be in Edward's life." Esme shook her head, trying to deny, but I knew, it was an impasse which was better to be left unsolved.

"You called us?" I changed the topic.

It was Carlisle who answered. "Actually yes. We wanted to give you this, Bella." He handed me a credit card form which I had to fill along with the Cullen credit card. "You are free to use this card anytime, anywhere you want to."

"Thank you, Esme, Carlisle, but I cannot keep this."

"Bella, we all have a credit card just like this and as you are officially going to become a Cullen soon, we are handing you this." Esme offered.

"Also, your name would be attached to Edward's account and soon you both would have your joint account." Carlisle added pointing to the form they had given me.

There was no point in refusing them. It would hurt their feelings so I took the card from them. "Thank you." I thanked. Edward came towards me and kissed my forehead, drawing circles on my spine.

"There is one more thing we wanted to give you, Bella." I raised my brows at them and they just smiled while Edward shrugged. "We all know how you feel about jewellery and gifts, but now that you will officially be Edward's wife in a few days," I blushed a more as that realization hit me. Soon I would not be just Bella, but I would also be Mrs. Edward Cullen. "I wanted to give you one of Edward's belonging to you."

"Esme, you don't need to do this." Edward said in an awed voice. So that means even he was not prepared for what they would be giving me.

I just stared at her, trying to find out what she was about to give me, when Carlisle stood beside Esme and they together gave me a satin ring box. I opened the box to see and saw a ring in it. The ring in it was of platinum, the whole band designed in the infinity signs where it's one infinity wave out of the five was different – it's one wave was made of pure platinum, where the another wave consisted small diamonds over it.

I stroked the ring with my fingers and gasped when Edward's fingers joined me in stroking the ring. "It was my mother's ring." He whispered. "My dad gave it to her as a forever promise. The infinity here symbolizes his promise to love her forever, while the diamonds emphasizes their love, which means it will always shine, even in the dark." Then he turned towards his parents. "Thank you, mom, dad for this, but you don't need to do this. I had already forgotten about it. It is yours Esme." He emphasized.

"Exactly Edward. It is mine, so you should have no problem if I give this ring to anyone, right." Esme said in a motherly tone and Edward surrendered. Esme gave him her motherly smile and turned towards me.

"When Edward got the possession of this ring, he didn't had anyone to share it." Carlisle explained. "Then he got Esme, his mother in every way, so he decided to give it to her, as its previous owner was his mother too." Carlisle turned towards Esme and nudged her lightly. She grinned and Carlisle continued. "So at that time, Esme took it and promised him that the day he would find his other half, she would herself hand the ring to her."

"So here I am fulfilling my promise and my role as well, Bella." Esme put a hand on my arm. "Elizabeth would have loved to give you this ring herself, but as she is not here, I take this opportunity myself and give you this ring, as a token of love, on behalf of your both mother-in-laws."

Tears rolled down my eyes and this time I let them flow down, I didn't tried to wipe them away. Esme was handing me the ring of Elizabeth Masen, which Edward had given her as a token for his love towards her. I attacked Esme by hugging her with all my strength. She held me to her chest and I cried my happy tears in her chest. When I was able to say something, I said the first thing that came in my mind. "I love you, mom."

At some point two cold hands wrapped around both Esme and I and I didn't have to look up to see that they were of Edward's. He held both of us to him and kissed us both on forehead. Then Carlisle came and kissed my forehead. "Welcome to the family, Bella. Not just Cullen family," He touched the Cullen crest with his index finger, "but in the Masen family as well." and wiped my tears with his fingers.

Tears again started falling down my eyes, as I hugged him back by his waist and said him the first words which were appreciate for this moment. "I love you, daddy." At these words, Carlisle's body tensed. I was about to pull back thinking I have offended him by telling him 'daddy', after all I was not his daughter in any way. I was connected to him through Edward, not the way the others were connected with him – directly. But soon he was holding me to his chest with the best hold he could manage without hurting me. He kissed the top of my head and held me there, with his cheek on the top of my head.

"I swear, Edward, if you ever hurt my daughter, you are going to get a hell of punishment." I was more than overwhelmed to hear him address me as his daughter. I looked over my shoulder and found Edward holding Esme, his arm around her shoulder, while her head was resting on his chest and they were both watching us, with a large smile over their face.

"Don't worry dad, I'll not let anything happen to her, ever."

Carlisle released me and soon I was held against Edward's side.

"Edward, won't you put the ring in her hand." Esme asked. Edward eyed me for one moment and then turned towards Esme shrugging indifferently .

"Here." I gave him my left hand in his hand. He first looked surprised – that I gave her the permission to slide a jewellery piece in my hand and that too willingly – but then took my hand in his. He took the ring from the box and stood in front of me.

"Bella, this ring is very special to me." Edward explained. "Not just because it was my mother's, but also because it is been wore by both my mothers'." He looked at the ring and smile, "And also because of the promise it holds."

He then kneeled down in front of me and my breathing and heartbeat accelerated. Just like the previous time, I was not prepared for the moment. Unlike the previous time, we were not alone, Esme and Carlisle were with us. This setting was more unnerving than I thought.

His eyes – shining with warmth and love – were still glued to mine, when he took the ring and placed it in my forefinger. Carlisle and Esme were saying something to each other, but my attention was only for Edward. "With this ring, I promise you Isabella Marie Swan, that I will always be there with you, no matter what, love you and cherish you, every moment of forever."

"A perfect click." Alice exclaimed gleefully. She had taken a photo – of Edward kneeling in front of me, my left hand in his – and left. Carlisle and Esme also left with her.

With Edward's words, tears again started falling down my eyes, but this time, Edward stood and kissed my every tear away. His eyes told me that if he would be able to cry, even his eyes would have been fogged by happy tears. We shared a very gentle and sweet kiss and then my face went automatically to burrow in his chest.

I just stood there, my head rested on his chest, his arms around me, when he reminded me that we have to go back to Charlie. I reluctantly pulled myself away from him and went towards the truck. Edward again drove, my head on his shoulder, his right hand still holding my left and his fingers played absent-mindly with both the rings in my left hand – which would remain there for the rest of life – my right hand drawing imaginary lines on his right forearm.

We drove back to Charlie's house in a comfortable silence.

We reached the house by six thirty in the evening. "You are not coming inside?" I asked.

"Actually, Charlie wants to talk with you alone and sensing his mood, I would say, that it should be better if I didn't come today in the evening," He said as a matter-of-fact, "but I would be there with you at night." He promised.

"Okay, see you in the night." I sighed and kissed him, before getting out of my truck and when Edward had parked the truck, he gave a quick peck and left for his home.

When I entered the house, I found Charlie in front of television, but for the first time, his eyes were seeing nothing. For the first time, he was not enjoying the game.

"Hey dad." I greeted him casually, feigning nonchalant and went in the kitchen to find something to eat. Charlie had ordered pizza which was on the table along with coke. Charlie joined me in the dining table and sat beside me. We started eating our pizza as usual in silence.

I peeked at Charlie and saw that his brow was creased. He did it when he had something important to discuss but didn't knew how to start. I knew why this crease was there today and also knew that the questions will be showered on me soon. "Bella, are you sure that you are doing the right thing?" He asked me after a few minutes.

I swallowed the pizza bite in my mouth and gulped water before answering. "Dad, I am as sure of this as I am of that you love me." I replied without a hesitation. A small smile occurred on his lips at my words.

He pondered on my words for a moment. I took another slice of my pizza till the time he asked me another question. "But why the rush? I mean you are just eighteen." He again tried.

I swallowed the slice and drank my coke. It was time to say something true without giving him the whole truth. "Dad, if I don't marry him now, will you allow me if I asked to live with Edward in a house far away in Dartmouth, without marriage." I asked him in a gentle tone, already knowing his answer. I knew that I would not be going to Dartmouth, but as Edward had reasoned with him, I decided to go with the same reason.

His forehead creased with anger. "No. I would never allow you, Bella." He replied in a strict tone.

"There. Now you get the answer, why dad."

"But..."

"But what dad." I interrupted in a calm tone. "I know you worry about me, that he would again me leave, but trust me dad, Edward would rather die than leave me. He only left me in the first place, because he had to go to L.A. due to some reasons." His stupid reasons which in his point of view was the best option. "But trust me on this dad. I love Edward with all my being and so does he." He was still shaking his head. "And if you again get any doubt that he is hurting me, you have a gun and also the permission to shoot." I teased him.

"I'll keep your word, Bella." He swore, intrigued by the idea. "Trust me, the moment he hurts you, it would be him and my gun." There was now a big smile on his face, so I laughed with him and kissed his cheek.

"I love you dad." I mumbled, with a thick voice.

"I love you too honey. Many things may have changed since you were born, but this will never change. Not even when you are above fifty." He mumbled with slight teary eyes.

Tears started forming in my eyes and I buried my head in his chest hiding my tears and he held me. I was crying too much today and it was not even my wedding day.

After my wedding, I would be changed and will not be able to see Charlie. I'll have Edward and all my new family with me, but Charlie would be left alone, again. He will have no one to look after him, again.

I was now confident that I made the right choice by taking the decision of marrying. I can at least give some happy memories to dad to live with.

We both were not used to this display of love, but today, I could not stop these tears. "I love you daddy. Many things may change, but you will always be my first love." Tears were shining in his eyes too, but he didn't let them fall. He was once again being strong for me, knowing if he started crying, I'll not be able to restrain myself. After few minutes, he sighed, kissed the top of my head, and released me.

"So tomorrow, we are having a photoshoot." He changed the topic and groaned. Even Charlie never liked parties or socializing and tomorrow he would be going to her daughter's in-laws house – he was the one I got my dislike for socializing from – and that too for a formal photoshoot. I laughed.

"Thanks to Alice." I hissed her name. He laughed and muttered 'Alice' in resignation.

"How was your day at his house?" He asked when I again started eating the pizza.

"Great. They gave me their family crest and Edward gave me his former family's ring." I showed him my new jewellery and he was looking really impressed by my new possessions.

After dinner, I cleaned the kitchen. He helped me doing that saying that there was nothing interesting coming now, but I knew he was trying to spend more time with me. After cleaning the kitchen, I sat with him to watch games. The whole time dad explained me some rules and I nodded, to make him feel good. After ten, I kissed his cheek and went in my room, after telling him good night.

There was still time for Charlie to sleep and Edward to come. So I cleaned the room, put the dirty clothes in the laundry, arranged the books properly on the shelf, cleaned my desk. It was nearly ten thirty, so Edward would be here in nearly thirty minutes.

I worked on my plan. I thought about how to surprise Edward, how to plan it, when I heard a knock on my window. I sighed, already knowing who could be and turned my head and saw, as I had predicted, Alice seating peacefully on the window. "Hey." She waved her hand enthusiastically.

"Hii Alice. You know, you are welcome anytime in the house even through the main door."

"Oh, I know, but this is more interesting." She tapped the window with her hand.

"As you prefer. Where is your brother?"

"I sent him with Em and Jazz for a quick hunt. You know, they are celebrating his engagement in their own way." She answered, while I blushed more.

"So... what are you planning to do." She eyed me purposefully. I sighed.

"You know this as much I know Alice, then why are you asking me?"

"Bella, please. Let me help you. You have already given me your permission to plan your wedding, so please let me repay you by helping you. Please, please, please, let me plan Edward's birthday for you. Please, please, please."

"So, he knows nothing about my plan." I inquired.

"Nothing." She assured me.

"Okay, Alice. You can help me. But you are not allowed to spend any money on me."

"Yeah!" She clapped her hands in victory. "Thank you Bella! Edward will be here on next forty minutes, so we have about half an hour for that. While you both will be away, I and Esme would rearrange some things for the wedding."

"Okay. What should I plan?" I asked, when she was sitting with me on my bed.

"Oh, you don't have to do anything. Esme would convince Charlie tomorrow – that you will be coming with me, Rosalie and her for some wedding preparations – so that you will leave with Edward Tuesday morning to Chicago, where you would reach there by eleven at their time. Edward's Vanquish would also be there, so you will be travelling in that."

"But you just promised me that you would spend no money no me."

"I promised you I would not spend any money on you, but I never promised that I wouldn't spend any money on him." She explained. Leave it to Alice to find a loop hole in any situation.

"But Alice, you... no... I will not allow you for this." I declared.

"Oh, you will. Your seats are already booked and so is your hotel room. You will be staying in the hotel till eleven thirty, and then you will move in his old house for two days. You will be celebrating his birthday there." She clapped her hands cheerfully. "Carlisle have already contacted with the cleaners over there and they would stock the house with some food for you. The vanquish would be waiting for you both there that day. It was Emmett's and Jasper's idea. Your whole plan is already fixed. You both have to just go there."

Everyone's name was taken, Carlisle, Esme, Emmett, Jasper, and I had a better idea that Rosalie was also somewhere involved in this. They all were presenting a good time for both of us as their gift. It was so heart touching!

"But... you... how... when..." I was not even able to form a coherent sentence.

"Relax Bella." She ordered in strict tone. I took a few deep breaths and when I was in better control of emotions, she sighed and laced her hands with mine. "I don't remember my human life, but you let me live my human life through you. This is the least I could do for you. So now you have to just go through my plan. Please Bella, can't you even do this for me? For Edward? For all of us?" She used her most pervasive tone and puppy face. She knew I cannot deny her anything when she makes this face.

"Edward was right, You really are a bad force of nature." I groaned as I pried my hands away from her grasp.

"Thank you, Bella." She hugged me. After that she told me all the things she had planned for our trip, our bookings and what places we should go for the next fifteen minutes. She informed me that all our bookings were made under the name of 'Edward Mason', rather than 'Edward Cullen'

"But why? I mean it is very thoughtful of you to do that, but..."

"Bella. It was his human birth place, and we would love it if he is referred there by his human name. He is used to Cullen, I know that, but to be called by your actual name, in your birthplace is a special thing."

"Thank you so much Alice, for thinking so much about us."

"Oh come on Bella!" She waved her hand dismissively. "You are my best friend and also going to become my sister officially. I can at least do that for you and my brother-in-law."

"Brother-in-law?"

"Oh, come on Bella!" She chirped. "I love both of you equally, but being your bridesmaid, I have a right to call him my brother-in-law."

I was touched by her words and her declaring me as her sister. "I love you Alice." I said her and squeezed her small form with all my strength.

"I love you too, Bella." She embraced me back and then leaned back. "Now I should go. Edward will be back in twenty minutes. I will see you tomorrow in the morning, to get you ready and then after the photoshoot, we will go for shopping. And yes, don't let Edward know anything about your plan." She clapped her hands, kissed me on the cheek and slipped through the window.

Where she had sat was now placed a box. Inside it was a dark blue colour t-shirt, along with a pink colour sweatpants in it, which reached just below my knees. On top of it was a letter 'For you, Bella. Wear this. Edward would love it. Thank me later. Love you, Alice.'

There were still fifteen minutes for Edward to return, so I went for a shower. The warm water helped me relax a little. I thought about Alice and her plan in the warm water. She was overdoing it, I knew. But the whole plan sounded right. The only thing which was lacking was a special gift for Edward for his birthday. I was still undecided what to give him. I thought about many things – a dress, or a watch or any such thing, but it all seemed irrelevant. He already had enough clothes and accessories for a decade and not to mention the cash balance he has.

What should I give him?

I took the dress Alice had just gifted me and wore it. The t-shirt fitted my curves properly – it showed my neck, my collarbone properly, it reached to my navel, its spaghetti straps were too thin to handle. I was worried that they would somehow slip in my slumber embarrassing me to no end. Its neck just started above my chest, showing more of my body but still decently – while the shorts also fitted my curved properly and reached just below my knees. It really looked nice on me. I eyed my new attire properly, twirled a few times in front of the mirror to see it properly.

Well this can be a good gift for him for today, I thought, a look at my tempting body.

By the time I reached my room, after telling Charlie a good night, Edward was already in my room, seating peacefully in the rocking chair.

"Hii." I greeted him casually.

"Hello to you too." Even he was acting nonchalant. For once he was wearing normal sweatpants and a sweatshirt.

I went to the desk and put my toiletries bag on it and my clothes in the laundry basket. All the while he eyed me closely and curiously. When I was done, he opened his arms as an invitation. I went willingly over there and sat on his lap. He rocked us and stroked my hair. I sighed and kissed his base of the throat and he kissed the top of my head.

"New dress?" He asked.

Obviously I flushed. I knew why Alice had selected this dress and so did he.

"Alice." I mumbled.

"Remind me to thank Alice." He breathed as he brushed his lips across my forehead.

As our eyes held each others, I blushed more and he traced my now heated cheeks with his knuckles, increasing my blush. I hid my face against his shoulder and he wrapped me in his circle of arms.

"I will not use the card, Edward." I muttered in his shoulder.

"I knew you would say something like this, Bella. You don't need to use the card. But please use it just once, so that it pleases Esme and Carlisle."

"I'll see what I can do." I sighed.

"Okay, but love, when our joint account gets opened, I would love it when you would use it." I scoffed and eyed him angrily, so he sighed. "Bella, I have already said that what mine is yours and now when we will be married," he used the word as if it was nothing – just a normal and usual thing. "you will be using it, so why not start the practice as soon as possible." He reasoned with me. But he was right in some ways. And also not to forget that he will be extremely upset if I don't accept his offer. So I settled with a sigh and okay.

He kissed both the rings in my left hand and then kissed my palm, my wrist and finally my knuckles. "I really cannot wait till our wedding day to make you completely mine."

I giggled. "Have some patience, Mr. Cullen" I teased.

"I guess you are not ready yet." He then brought his lips near my ear. "Mrs. Isabella Edward Cullen." He breathed in my ear.

My breathing got uneven and my heart skipped few beats listening my future name. He smiled his uneven smile and kissed my cheek.

"I like the sound of my new name." I confessed against his neck.

"That makes us both." He laughed. "I really cannot wait to make you mine in every way possible, love."

"Seriously. In every way." I asked. He knew what I was indicating it – our deal.

"You silly, beautiful girl. Yes I want to make you mine in every possible way. You cannot imagine how eager I am to covet you."

"I am already yours." I mumbled in his shoulder.

"I love you, Miss Swan."

"As I love you, Mr. Cullen." I murmured and kissed him. I tried to deepen the kiss, but he held my face in his hands and broke our kiss. I pouted, but he laughed.

"Charlie is coming to check on you." With that he left and I found myself in my bed, under the covers. After my breathing was controlled, I heard dad standing at my room door. I quickly rolled to my side and tried to feign sleep. Charlie came after a few seconds and saw me sleeping, but unlike any other day, he came inside and stood beside me. He stood there for a few seconds and then sat down. He combed my brown locks with his fingers and sang a familiar tune – which he used to sing as a lullaby when I was small and came here in the summer to lull me to sleep. He said a few words which sounded like "my baby girl… too small... love you." He kissed me on the forehead before going to his room.

Tears started forming in my eyes at his unusual show of emotion. I was his only family now and even I was abandoning him. I knew in my heart that I wanted Edward for an eternity, but I would have to hurt Charlie for that.

Why was it that you must sacrifice something to get a think you want the most?

Soon, one cold hand was wrapped around my waist and he turned me so that I could look in his eyes. He looked in my eyes for a second and his own face turned into agony.

"I'm sorry Bella. So sorry." He murmured while I hid my face in his shirt.

I spoke after I was able to control my voice. "I know." I sighed. "It's just that I never knew how alone dad really was." Unlike me, Charlie was always a closed book, who only opened when it was too much for him. I would be shattering his love for me and his world by saying a final goodbye to him. "It's just that I don't want him to feel that I abandoned him just like Renèe had. I want his blessings, so that when I say him his final goodbye, I know that he is happy for me." I took a deep breath. "Is it so much to ask?" I asked in a small voice.

"No love. It's not much." He whispered as he rubbed my back to sooth me. "Give Charlie some time, he'll come around. He is just not able to grasp that his little baby girl is going to turn into a beautiful woman… and that too in just two months."

He knew how to distract me.

I knew that I would be becoming Edward's bride, but it would happen in just two months – it was not what I expected.

Suddenly the wedding nerves hit me with full force. What if I was not able to make him happy? What if I was not perfect for him? What if... What if? Ugh! So many stupid but important questions were running in my head.

"A penny for a glimpse into your exquisite mind." He whispered.

"Nothing." I waved him off. "I just got hit by the wedding" even now I said the word 'wedding' as the biggest horror ever, "nerves. I just realized that I have just two months before I throw my bachelor hood away." I joked lightening the tense mood.

"Well, to be truthful, even I can't believe you would be becoming my wife in just a two months – in mere eight weeks." His voice was way too excited. I had never heard him this blissful, not even when he proposed me three days back.

I just groaned at his excitement and yawned, my eyes getting heavy with sleep, which I was trying to fight off.

"Sleep love, we have a busy day tomorrow." He sang my lullaby. My sleepy eyes grew more heavy and I snuggled more closer to him.

Soon I slept in my angel's arms.

This is the end of first chapter. Second chapter will be issued by tomorrow.

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